An interview with Randy Cutler of Smallmouth Unlimited
The Happy Anachronism has been curious about Smallmouth Unlimited since they adopted the Philosophies of the Illinois Smallmouth Alliance (a product of this author). Recently, Randy Cutler, the Executive Director of Smallmouth Unlimited agreed to an e-interview to be posted here. Here's the text, unedited and in his own words.
Enjoy!
The Happy Anachronism (THA): Could you explain why you agreed to an interview on a blog as disreputable as this one?
Randy Cutler of Smallmouth Unlimited (RC): I wish to represent Smallmouth Unlimited and the many smallmouth anglers across the nation that wish to carry on the heritage and passion for Smallmouth Bass fishing by preserving the habitats and trophy waters.
THA: That’s an admirable goal. What attracts you to smallmouth bass fishing and what are the GPS coordinates of your favorite fishing spots?
RC: Smallmouth Bass has always been my pride and joy. It is appealing to me to stalk and hunt this species. With its acrobatics and aggressive nature makes the adrenalin rush worth the patience and disappointment that comes with the failed stalk or uncooperating strike. Since departing the military, this has given me a relative activity to use stealth and observation. Both of which are very important to finding the next world-record.
My GPS batteries must be dead. But I will tell you the Nolichucky River which stretches from atop a mountain down 189 miles to a lake and winds thru the Cherokee National forest along the Smoky Mountain chain. It provides a challenging gorge for white water rafting and breathtaking beauty. But the fishing for smallies here in this river system are unprecedented. With numbers over 100 fish per day frequently possible and deep clear water pools that shelter and harbopr the citation and 24+ inch breeders! Yes, this is my river, and I would be happy to invite anyone to enjoy and experience it with me.
THA: You’re a former green beret. Is any part of that experience helpful to you as you work to conserve smallmouth bass and smallmouth bass habitats?
RC: Not in a military way, but what I do possess is a high level of aggressiveness and persistence that gives me the passion to overcome any obstacle in my way. This allows the organization to be steadfast in its foundation and provide a platform in which we can plan and achieve many things.
THA: Can you tell us about any top secret military gear that might be useful for catching smallmouth bass?
RC: Yes, but I would have to kill you!!
THA: You had better watch your step there, buddy. I was in a fist fight in 4th grade once.
Have you ever used an RPG to fish?
RC: I can neither confirm nor deny this question.
THA: Smallmouth Unlimited has the goal of becoming a national conservation organization for smallmouth bass. Why is a national approach important to smallmouth conservation?
RC: There are many organizations that say they are for conservation and have the same goals in mind. I hope to bring all of us together as a partnership in pursuing the efforts we all wish to achieve. Some ideas and philosophies are the same and others need completing with all organizations and agencies involved. Start by completing a national smallmouth study, finding out the population density, the various habitats, the water quality, and the size variances between fisheries. Then establish the processes in which we all can accomplish together in our own geographic home watersheds.
THA: Is it true you’re planning a military strike against the state chapters of existing smallmouth groups like the Smallmouth Alliance?
RC: No, I know it seemed we were all in some little battle recently, just now settled. I only will open criticism in a forum where all the cards are on the table and we wish to accomplish a positive outcome. Not a line drawn in the sand.
THA: Will you put the heads of the leadership on pikes or will you be content to merely send them into exile?
RC: Neither, I wish to have constant communication with them if they want it. An open line of communication would be nice to have. If they don’t want to have a partnership or communicate then that is fine. I will purse our growth as it may.
THA: That’s kind of a sissy answer for a green beret. Let’s just say you’d challenge them to a fist fight.
Seriously, there are some good people in the Alliances. I hope you can find a way to cooperate.
The Anachronism (this website) takes a geeky science-based approached to conservation. Why specifically do you feel that science geeks should not have their heads put on pikes or be sent into exile? Or should I be worried.
RC: Just take your pen protectors out of your pockets.
THA: Ok, but I’m keeping my Star Trek uniform.
Smallmouth bass have been widely introduced as exotics. In some places this has caused serious problems for other species. The Anachronism has many conservation agendas, one of which is to prevent the spread of exotics and the use of conservation dollars on exotic fisheries. Would you be willing to provide military training to advance this goal?
RC: With an RPG? Smallmouth are an exotic species in some waters and have been introduced to manage other exotic forage species or as a recreational species. Attention should be given to the natural fisheries with complete protection of trophy fish as breeders for our future generations.
THA: Who on the cast of Gilligan’s Island would you rather take fishing?
RC: Mary Ann of course. Those little pony tails could be a good survival tool.
THA: I can truthfully say I did not see that answer coming.
What is one project at Smallmouth Unlimited that excites you most?
RC: It seems that limited access is an issue on the best waterways (rivers). We are presently working on some access maps that will show canoe/kayak access and build limited access location along these routes. We are doing this one waterway at a time with involvement with members from different areas. If a chapter starts in a different area then grants can be written to assist with the conservation or preservation efforts there.
THA: The Anachronism agrees that is a huge, important issue. You might want to talk to John Bunner at the Indiana Smallmouth Alliance who has been studying this in the Midwest. I’m sure he’d be glad for some help.
If the Anachronism can be of any assistance at all, just let us know.
Enjoy!
The Happy Anachronism (THA): Could you explain why you agreed to an interview on a blog as disreputable as this one?
Randy Cutler of Smallmouth Unlimited (RC): I wish to represent Smallmouth Unlimited and the many smallmouth anglers across the nation that wish to carry on the heritage and passion for Smallmouth Bass fishing by preserving the habitats and trophy waters.
THA: That’s an admirable goal. What attracts you to smallmouth bass fishing and what are the GPS coordinates of your favorite fishing spots?
RC: Smallmouth Bass has always been my pride and joy. It is appealing to me to stalk and hunt this species. With its acrobatics and aggressive nature makes the adrenalin rush worth the patience and disappointment that comes with the failed stalk or uncooperating strike. Since departing the military, this has given me a relative activity to use stealth and observation. Both of which are very important to finding the next world-record.
My GPS batteries must be dead. But I will tell you the Nolichucky River which stretches from atop a mountain down 189 miles to a lake and winds thru the Cherokee National forest along the Smoky Mountain chain. It provides a challenging gorge for white water rafting and breathtaking beauty. But the fishing for smallies here in this river system are unprecedented. With numbers over 100 fish per day frequently possible and deep clear water pools that shelter and harbopr the citation and 24+ inch breeders! Yes, this is my river, and I would be happy to invite anyone to enjoy and experience it with me.
THA: You’re a former green beret. Is any part of that experience helpful to you as you work to conserve smallmouth bass and smallmouth bass habitats?
RC: Not in a military way, but what I do possess is a high level of aggressiveness and persistence that gives me the passion to overcome any obstacle in my way. This allows the organization to be steadfast in its foundation and provide a platform in which we can plan and achieve many things.
THA: Can you tell us about any top secret military gear that might be useful for catching smallmouth bass?
RC: Yes, but I would have to kill you!!
THA: You had better watch your step there, buddy. I was in a fist fight in 4th grade once.
Have you ever used an RPG to fish?
RC: I can neither confirm nor deny this question.
THA: Smallmouth Unlimited has the goal of becoming a national conservation organization for smallmouth bass. Why is a national approach important to smallmouth conservation?
RC: There are many organizations that say they are for conservation and have the same goals in mind. I hope to bring all of us together as a partnership in pursuing the efforts we all wish to achieve. Some ideas and philosophies are the same and others need completing with all organizations and agencies involved. Start by completing a national smallmouth study, finding out the population density, the various habitats, the water quality, and the size variances between fisheries. Then establish the processes in which we all can accomplish together in our own geographic home watersheds.
THA: Is it true you’re planning a military strike against the state chapters of existing smallmouth groups like the Smallmouth Alliance?
RC: No, I know it seemed we were all in some little battle recently, just now settled. I only will open criticism in a forum where all the cards are on the table and we wish to accomplish a positive outcome. Not a line drawn in the sand.
THA: Will you put the heads of the leadership on pikes or will you be content to merely send them into exile?
RC: Neither, I wish to have constant communication with them if they want it. An open line of communication would be nice to have. If they don’t want to have a partnership or communicate then that is fine. I will purse our growth as it may.
THA: That’s kind of a sissy answer for a green beret. Let’s just say you’d challenge them to a fist fight.
Seriously, there are some good people in the Alliances. I hope you can find a way to cooperate.
The Anachronism (this website) takes a geeky science-based approached to conservation. Why specifically do you feel that science geeks should not have their heads put on pikes or be sent into exile? Or should I be worried.
RC: Just take your pen protectors out of your pockets.
THA: Ok, but I’m keeping my Star Trek uniform.
Smallmouth bass have been widely introduced as exotics. In some places this has caused serious problems for other species. The Anachronism has many conservation agendas, one of which is to prevent the spread of exotics and the use of conservation dollars on exotic fisheries. Would you be willing to provide military training to advance this goal?
RC: With an RPG? Smallmouth are an exotic species in some waters and have been introduced to manage other exotic forage species or as a recreational species. Attention should be given to the natural fisheries with complete protection of trophy fish as breeders for our future generations.
THA: Who on the cast of Gilligan’s Island would you rather take fishing?
RC: Mary Ann of course. Those little pony tails could be a good survival tool.
THA: I can truthfully say I did not see that answer coming.
What is one project at Smallmouth Unlimited that excites you most?
RC: It seems that limited access is an issue on the best waterways (rivers). We are presently working on some access maps that will show canoe/kayak access and build limited access location along these routes. We are doing this one waterway at a time with involvement with members from different areas. If a chapter starts in a different area then grants can be written to assist with the conservation or preservation efforts there.
THA: The Anachronism agrees that is a huge, important issue. You might want to talk to John Bunner at the Indiana Smallmouth Alliance who has been studying this in the Midwest. I’m sure he’d be glad for some help.
If the Anachronism can be of any assistance at all, just let us know.
posted by T. Brook Smith at 7:26 AM
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